Enantiomers of the 1′,6′-isomer of neplanocin A

ABSTRACT

Enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin, including derivatives of the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin, are disclosed along with novel synthetic methods. In particular, a substituted cyclopentane epoxide is synthesized into the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin. Enantiomers of carbocyclic nucleoside analogs of 3-deazaneplanocin to provide D- and L-like 1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin are also disclosed. The small molecule chemotherapeutic compounds beneficially provide DNA and RNA antiviral activity, demonstrating activity towards, for example, human cytomegalovirus, measles, Ebola, norovirus, dengue, vaccinia and HBV. Compounds exhibiting reduced S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitory effects are disclosed and provide improved toxicity profiles in comparison to neplanocin. The invention provides improved prophylactic and/or therapeutic antiviral efficacy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.Nos. 62/032,926 filed on Aug. 4, 2014 entitled Enantiomers of the1′,6′-Isomer of Neplanocin A: Synthesis and Antiviral Properties, and62/160,726 filed on May 13, 2015 entitled 3-Deaza Enantiomers of the1′,6′-Isomer of Neplanocin A. The entire contents of these patentapplications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by referenceincluding, without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract,as well as any figures, tables, or drawings thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin, includingderivatives of the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin, provided by novelsynthesis methods. In particular, a substituted cyclopentane epoxide issynthesized into the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin. The inventionfurther relates to carbocyclic nucleoside analogs of 3-deazaneplanocinto provide D- and L-like 1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin. The small moleculechemotherapeutic compounds beneficially provide DNA and RNA antiviralactivity, demonstrating activity towards, for example, humancytomegalovirus, measles, Ebola, norovirus, dengue, vaccinia and HBV.Compounds exhibiting reduced S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitoryeffects are disclosed and provide improved toxicity profiles incomparison to neplanocin. The invention provides improved prophylacticand/or therapeutic antiviral efficacy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A myriad of viral outbreaks have occurred throughout history, causingthe deaths of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Both DNA and RNAviruses are known and often transmitted by aerosols as well as by directcontact of contaminated surfaces. Viral infection may cause mild tosevere symptoms in afflicted subjects, including humans. Accordingly,both prophylactic and therapeutic treatments remain a priority fordevelopment. However, both DNA and RNA viruses demonstrate rapid rate ofmutation against therapeutic agents and as a result drug-resistantstrains have become a concern for various viruses. New therapeuticagents are therefore needed to treat, cure and prevent viral infections.

Recent pandemic Ebola outbreaks in West Africa illustrate this need fortreatment of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), along with other viralinfections. VHF are a collection of viral infections that are among themost feared human pathogens and thus an exemplary illustration for theneed of broad spectrum antiviral compounds. VHF exist in four distinctfamilies of RNA viruses: the Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae,and Flaviviridae. The Filoviridae Ebola is prominent among thesepathogens but there are representatives within the other families thatpresent ongoing threats (for example, dengue, a flavivirus). For Ebolathere are four distinct species: Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV), Sudanebolavirus (SEBOV), Ivory Coast ebolavirus (ICEBOV) (also known as Coted'Ivoire ebolavirus (CIEBOV)), and Reston ebolavirus (REBOV). A newunnamed species of Ebola virus is suspected to be the causative agent ofa recent outbreak of Ebola virus in Uganda. The highly contagioushemorrhagic fever virus originates from Africa and has a very highmortality rate. VHF viruses are transmitted by contact with bodilyfluids from an infected subject and most often is fatal within a fewdays of hemorrhagic symptoms. These particular viruses attackendothelial cells of blood vessels, causing break down of blood vessels,allowing blood and serum to leak from the circulatory system.

Currently, there are no vaccines (except for yellow fever) or suitabledrug candidates available to manage an uncontrollable outbreak and, aswith the recent Ebola epidemic in West Africa only symptomatic measuresare available for their treatment. As there are only a very limitednumber of possible therapeutics, for example, Ribavirin, abroad-spectrum antiviral agent with limited efficacy and extremetoxicity, few options are available for antiviral agents or vaccines forVHF. Because of limited access and the diversity of individualrecipients' medical circumstances, vaccines pose issues thatchemotherapeutic agents overcome. As a result, new therapeutic agentsare needed to treat, cure, and prevent viral infections, including Ebolaand other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Naturally occurring neplanocin series of carbocyclic nucleosides orcarbanucleosides are known as having the formulae shown in FIG. 1. Theneplanocin compounds, namely neplanocin A, are known as having antiviraland antitumor activity as a result of the inhibition ofS-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHase). SAHase catalyzes theinterconversion of SAH into adenosine and L-homocysteine, and inhibitionof this enzyme leads to an accumulation of SAH and a negative inhibitionof cellular S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase.Despite the potent enzyme inhibitory activity of neplanocin A, it hasnot been a clinically useful antiviral agent due to its potent toxicityto host cells. Another naturally-occurring carbocyclic nucleoside,aristeromycin, has been of interest due to its similar bioactivity.Various carbocyclic nucleosides have been synthesized as potentialinhibitors of SAHase, although very few have been identified as potentinhibitors of SAHase, at least partly due to problems of the carbocyclesto synthesize analogs to study. The carbocyclic nucleosides are thoughtto be synthetically a very challenging classification of nucleosides,requiring multiple, elaborate synthesis steps in order to introducedesired stereochemistry.

It has been identified that neplanocins offer a unique substitutionpattern within the cyclopentenyl appendage. However the carbocyclicnucleosides are conformationally constrained by the alkene functionalityor structural center. Changes to the C-1′, C-6′ isomer of neplanocin Adisclosed pursuant to the present invention provide a framework forsynthetic preparation of novel carbocyclic nucleosides in the neplanocinfamily of compounds. Accordingly, it is an objective of the claimedinvention to develop enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin employing thealkene and epoxide structural centers to make molecular modificationsresulting in improved biological activity of the neplanocins,particularly neplanocin A.

A further object of the invention is to provide a synthesis frameworkfor the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin.

A still further object of the invention is to provide methods oftherapeutic or prophylactic antiviral treatment to complement vaccines,including employing the small molecule chemotherapeutic compoundsdisclosed herein. In particular, neplanocin derivatives are employed totreat or prevent DNA and/or RNA viruses, such as cytomegalovirus,measles, Ebola, norovirus, dengue, vaccinia or HBV. Preferably,compositions and methods of therapeutic or prophylactic antiviraltreatment provide broad-spectrum antiviral activity.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following specification taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides neplanocin derivativeshaving the following formulas:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′,    NHOH, or hydrogen (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl,    aryl or araalkyl), and Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH,    CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl,    aryl or araalkyl)), CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

-   Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, R3′ is a    hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, R6′ is a hydrogen or halogen    (preferably F), W is a hydrogen or a halogen (preferably F), X is    NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and    NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl    group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and    NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl)), CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen),    or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, and Z    is a hydrogen, halogen (preferably a F or Br), alkyl or substituted    alkyl, cyano and derivatives therefrom; or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides methods of therapeuticor prophylactic treatment of a subject, including humans, against viralinfection comprising: administering the disclosed neplanocinderivative(s) to a subject in need of antiviral therapeutic orprophylactic treatment. In an aspect, the virus is a DNA virus or an RNAvirus. In a preferred aspect, the virus in a negative strand RNA virus.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions for treating a subject, including a human, with a viralinfection or in need of prophylactic antiviral treatment comprising: asufficient amount of the neplanocin derivative(s) to produce antiviraleffects.

In an aspect, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In an aspect, the pharmaceuticalcomposition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.In an aspect, the antiviral amount of the neplanocin derivative is anamount sufficient to improve, inhibit, prevent or ameliorate the viralinfection.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E show the naturally-occurring neplanocins, includingNeplanocin A (FIG. 1A), Neplanocin B (FIG. 1B), Neplanocin C (FIG. 1C),Neplanocin D (FIG. 1D), Neplanocin F (FIG. 1E).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the synthesis methods according to anembodiment of the invention to synthesize the neplanocin analoguesD-like isoneplanocin and L-like isoneplanocin employing the followingreagents and conditions: (a) NaH, PMBBr, TBAI, THF, 95%; (b) LiHMDS,THF, 84%; (c) mCPBA, CH₂Cl₂, 84%; (d) adenine, DBU, DMF, 50% for 8, 31%for 9; (e) 1 N HCl/MeOH, 94%; (f) p-TsOH—H₂O, CH(OEt)₃, acetone, 77% for11, 84% for 15; (g) MsCl, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂, 93% for 12, 90% for 17; (h)NaOMe, THF/MeOH, 89% for 13, 90% for 18; (i) Pd(OH)₂/C, cyclohexene,EtOH, 87% for 14, 87% for 19; (j) 2 N HCl/MeOH, 90% for 2, 92% for 3;(k) DDQ, CH₂Cl₂/H₂O, 93%.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show neplanocin analogues D-like isoneplanocin (FIG. 3A)and L-like isoneplanocin (FIG. 3B) synthesized according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows as overview of four families of RNA viruses causing viralhemorrhagic fevers: Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae, andFlaviviridae.

FIGS. 5A-C show a mechanism of antiviral activity; exemplary carboxyclicnucleosides (shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) with activity pursuant toSAHase inhibition as depicted in a schematic of cellular enzyme SAHase,which breaks down SAH to adenosine and homocysteine (FIG. 5C).

FIG. 6 shows a site of neplanocin derivative inhibition of SAHase andinhibition of SAHase to be quantitated by release of free homocysteineaccording to an embodiment of the invention where certain neplanocinderivatives have antiviral activity via SAHase inhibition.

FIG. 7 shows neplanocin analogue SAHase inhibition data.

FIGS. 8A-D show neplanocin analogues evaluated according to embodimentsof the invention: D-3-deazaisoneplanocin (FIG. 8A),L-3-deazaisoneplanocin (FIG. 8B), D-3-bromo-3-deazaneplanocin (FIG. 8C)and L-3-bromo-3-deazaneplanocin (FIG. 8D).

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figuresrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin,including derivatives of the enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin,provided by novel synthesis methods. The compounds provide advantagesover existing, naturally-occurring neplanocin compounds in antiviralassays and/or reduced toxicity and/or adverse effects. For example, theenantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin demonstrate activity towards humancytomegalovirus, measles, Ebola, norovirus, dengue, vaccinia and HBV.Moreover, various enantiomers of 1′,6′-isoneplanocin exhibit reducedS-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHase) inhibitory effects therebyproviding improved toxicity profiles in comparison to neplanocin, asprolonged inhibition of SAHase overtakes cellular protein synthesis andleads to severe toxicity. Beneficially, as disclosed pursuant to thepresent invention, antiviral neplanocin derivatives may providedecreased SAHase inhibition allowing cellular mRNA cap methylation andfull protein synthesis and thereby providing antiviral efficacy withoutgeneral toxicity.

The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularcompounds, methods of preparation and/or treatment, which can vary andare understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood thatall terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner orscope. For example, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can include pluralreferents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, allunits, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of thenumbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, variousaspects of this invention are presented in a range format. It should beunderstood that the description in range format is merely forconvenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexiblelimitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the descriptionof a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all thepossible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within thatrange (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

So that the present invention may be more readily understood, certainterms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments ofthe invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of theembodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, thepreferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing andclaiming the embodiments of the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numericalquantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring andliquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutionsin the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures;through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of theingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods; andthe like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due todifferent equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from aparticular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”,the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “alkyl groups” refers to saturatedhydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chainalkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl,octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or “cycloalkyl” or“alicyclic” or “carbocyclic” groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups(e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), andalkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkylgroups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups). Unless otherwisespecified, the term “alkyl” includes both “unsubstituted alkyls” and“substituted alkyls.” As used herein, the term “substituted alkyls”refers to alkyl groups having substituents replacing one or morehydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Suchsubstituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno,hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy,aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl,alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl,alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano,amino (including alkyl amino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, andalkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino,arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio,arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonates,sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido,heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.In some embodiments, substituted alkyls can include a heterocyclicgroup. As used herein, the term “heterocyclic group” includes closedring structures analogous to carbocyclic groups in which one or more ofthe carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, forexample, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may besaturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but arenot limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxides, oxiranes), thiirane(episulfides), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane,dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane,dihydrofuran, and furan.

The term “substituted” as referred to herein refers to a substitution ata carbon (or nitrogen) position mentioned, with the referenced group,which may include herein hydroxyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, halogen(s),thiol, alkyl group (preferably C₁-C₆), alkoxyl group (preferably C₁-C₆alkyl or arly, including phenyl), ester, including alkylene esters,thioether, thioester, nitro or amines, alkanol, alkanoic acids or thelike.

The term “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,”and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of asubstance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight ofthe composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as usedhere, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with“weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.

The compounds, compositions, and methods of the present invention maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and stepsdisclosed herein as well as other components and steps described herein.As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the compounds,compositions, and methods may include additional components and steps,but only if the same do not materially alter the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed compounds, compositions, and methods.

Methods of Synthesis

According to an embodiment of the invention methods of synthesizingneplanocin series of carbocyclic nucleosides are provided, namelyneplanocin analogues having a C1′═C6′. In an embodiment, methods ofsynthesizing neplanocin analogues are provided, including enantiomers of1′,6′-isoneplanocin and neplanocin derivatives.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the synthesis steps for generatingneplanocin analogues. The depicted non-limiting embodiment of theinvention outlines synthesis steps, reagents and conditions for thetarget neplanocin analogues enantiomers, D-like isoneplanocin and L-likeisoneplanocin (formulas shown in FIG. 3A-B, respectively).

As depicted, in an embodiment the methods employ a substitutedcyclopentyl epoxide 4 (available from cyclopentadiene in two steps) toinitiate the synthesis reaction with protection of the secondaryhydroxyl of 4 with ap-methoxybenzyl (PMB) group to 5. (See Ludek &Meier, Synthesis 2003, 13, 2101; Biggadkike et al., J. Chem. Soc.,Perkin Trans, 1 1998, 549) The cyclopentenol can be enantioselectivelyprepared from alkylated cyclopentadiene in several steps. Aregioselective ring opening of 5 with lithium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide(LiHMDS) provided the versatile alkene 6. Subsequent oxidation of 6 withm-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) proceeded to the epoxide 7 providingan entry point to the carbocyclic nucleoside scaffold. The expoxide 7 isreacted with adenine in the presence of 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene(DBU) to produce a mixture of 8 and 9 (1.6:1). Thereafter, acidicremoval of the PMB group of 8 to 10 is then followed by glycolprotection to produce 11. Mesylation of 11 produces 12, which undergoeselimination in the presence of sodium methoxide to produce 13.Debenzylation of 13 with subsequent deketalization produces the D-likeisoneplanocin 2 (depicted as FIG. 3A).

As further depicted in FIG. 2, in an embodiment the methods employ asubstituted cyclopentyl epoxide 4 (available from cyclopentadiene in twosteps) to initiate the synthesis reaction with protection of thesecondary hydroxyl of 4 with a p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) group to 5. (SeeLudek & Meier, Synthesis 2003, 13, 2101; Biggadkike et al., J. Chem.

Soc., Perkin Trans, 1 1998, 549) A regioselective ring opening of 5 withlithium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide (LiHMDS) provided the versatile alkene6. Subsequent oxidation of 6 with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA)proceeded to the epoxide 7 providing an entry point to the carbocyclicnucleoside scaffold. The epoxide 7 is reacted with adenine in thepresence of 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU) to produce a mixture of 8and 9 (1.6:1). The glycol protection of 9 to 15 is the synthesis stepwhich diverts the methods towards the production of the L-likeisoneplanocin 3 (depicted as FIG. 3B). Oxidative deprotection with2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) converts 15 into 16. Aswith 11, mesylation of 16 to 17 and subsequent sodium methoxide promoteelimination and produce 18 (which is analogous to 13 in the synthesis ofthe D-like analogue). Deprotection of 18 (elimination in the presence ofsodium methoxide) produces 19 and then 1 N hydrochloric acid removes theisopropylene group to produce the L-like isoneplanocin 3.

In an embodiment the synthesis methods set forth herein provide a methodfor generating neplanocin A analogues as disclosed herein. Additionalneplanocin A analogues can be synthesized by these methods.

Analogue Compounds—Neplanocin Derivatives

In an aspect of the invention, analogues of 1,6-isomers of neplanocin Aas disclosed as beneficial targets for medicinal chemists and organicchemists due to their novel analogue structures and unexpectedbiological activity.

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“L”-like isoneplanocin analogue, StructureI) is provided:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (or combination of the    same such that R is the same or is different), wherein Y is a    hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R    and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X    is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a    hydroxyl group, and wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl);    or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “L”-like isoneplanocin analogue has astructure wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, wherein Y is ahydrogen, a hydroxyl group, or CH₂OH, and wherein X is NH₂ or hydrogen;or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “L”-like isoneplanocin analogue has thefollowing structure:

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“D”-like isoneplanocin analogue, StructureII) is provided:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (or combination of the    same such that R is the same or is different), wherein Y is a    hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R    and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X    is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a    hydroxyl group, and wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl);    or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “D”-like isoneplanocin analogue has astructure wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, wherein Y is ahydrogen, a hydroxyl group, or CH₂OH, and wherein X is NH₂ or hydrogen;or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“D”-like 3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogue (orD-1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin), Structure III) is provided:

-   Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R3′ is a    hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R6′ is a hydrogen or    halogen (preferably F), wherein W is a hydrogen or a halogen    (preferably F), wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    wherein Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′,    wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, and wherein Z is a hydrogen,    halogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl, cyano and derivatives    therefrom; or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and    salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “D”-like 3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogue has astructure wherein R2′and/or R3′ and/or R6′ are a hydrogen or a hydroxylgroup, wherein W is a hydrogen or a halogen, wherein X is NH₂ orhydrogen, wherein Y is hydrogen, hydroxyl group, or CH₂OH, and wherein Zis a halogen, preferably F, Cl, Br or I, more preferably F or Br,preferably Br; or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors andsalts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “D”-like 3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogue hasthe following structure:

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“D”-like 3-halo-3-Deazaisoneplanocinanalogue) is provided:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (or combination of the    same such that R is the same or is different), wherein Y is a    hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R    and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X    is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a    hydroxyl group, and wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    and wherein Z is a halogen, preferably F, Cl, Br or I, more    preferably F or Br, preferably Br; or pharmaceutically-acceptable    prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the analogue is a “D”-like3-bromo-3-Deazaisoneplanocin (or 3-bromo-1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin)having the following structure:

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“L”-like 3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogue (orL-1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin), Structure IV) is provided:

-   Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R3′ is a    hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R6′ is a hydrogen or    halogen (preferably F), wherein W is a hydrogen or a halogen    (preferably F), wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    wherein Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′,    wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, and wherein Z is a hydrogen,    halogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl, cyano and derivatives    therefrom; or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and    salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the “L”-like 3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogue hasthe following structure:

According to an embodiment of the invention a neplanocin derivativehaving the following formula (“L”-like 3-halo-3-Deazaisoneplanocinanalogue) is provided:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (or combination of the    same such that R is the same or is different), wherein Y is a    hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R    and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X    is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a    hydroxyl group, and wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl),    and wherein Z is a halogen, preferably F, Cl, Br or I, more    preferably F or Br, preferably Br; or pharmaceutically-acceptable    prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the analogue is a “L”-like3-bromo-3-Deazaisoneplanocin (or 3-bromo-1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin)having the following structure:

According to a further embodiment of the invention a neplanocinderivative having the following formula (“L”-like isoneplanocinanalogue) is provided:

-   Wherein X is N (isoneplanocin), CH (iso-3-deazaneplanocin), or    C(halogen), such as CBr (iso-3-bromo-deazaneplanocin); or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

According to a further embodiment of the invention a neplanocinderivative having the following formula (“D”-like neplanocin analogue)is provided:

-   Wherein X is N (isoneplanocin), CH (iso-3-deazaneplanocin), or    C(halogen), such as CBr (iso-3-bromo-deazaneplanocin); or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

In still further embodiments, neplanocin derivatives which are D-likeanalogues are modified for SAHase focused antiviral efficacy, as shownin the following formula:

-   Wherein R4′ is CH₂F, hydroxyl, or hydrogen, and wherein R6′ is a    hydrogen or a halogen, such as Fluorine, and wherein R3 is a    hydrogen, hydroxyl or a halogen, such as bromine. In some aspects    the R3 retains the R3′ OH for the SAHase inhibitory activity by the    generally accepted cofactor depletion mechanism but does not contain    the R4′ center of the L-series neplanocin derivatives and thereby    eliminates susceptibility to, for example, nucleotide formation. As    a result these D-like analogues provide enhancing SAHase inhibition.

In still further embodiments, neplanocin derivatives which are L-likeanalogues with R4′ target likely have a kinase role in antiviralactivity, as shown in the following formula:

-   Wherein R3 is hydrogen or a halogen, such as fluorine or bromine,    and wherein R4′ is a CH₂OH, CH(Me)OH, or CH₂CH₂OH. In an aspect, the    L-like compounds target the R4′ CH₂OH center where a kinase may be    playing an antiviral mechanism of action. Without being limited to a    particular mechanism of action, the elimination of the R3′ OH for    SAHase inhibition (by removing the hydroxyl or replacing it with the    bioisoteric halogen, such as fluorine) to avoid any complication    that could arise by SAHase inhibition. Further neplanocin    derivatives include the R4′ side chains presenting steric    interference at the hydroxyl center (e.g. R4′ as CH(Me)OH) and    hydroxyl relocation with R4′ as CH₂CH₂OH.

In still further embodiments, neplanocin derivatives which are D orL-like (not shown) analogues that do not result in SAHase inhibition norR4′ CH₂OH as previously described may be synthesized to have thefollowing formula:

-   Wherein R3 is a hydrogen or a halogen, such as bromine.

According to still further embodiments of the invention a neplanocinderivative having the following formulae are provided:

-   Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R3′ is a    hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, wherein R6′ is a hydrogen or    halogen (preferably F), wherein A is alkyl, alkylX (wherein X is    halo, hydroxy, or cyano), aryl, vinyl, wherein B is alkyl, hydroxy    or halo, wherein C is alkyl, hydroxy or halo, wherein D is alkyl,    alkylX (wherein X is halo, hydroxy, or cyano), or vinyl, wherein W    is a hydrogen or a halogen (preferably F), wherein X is NH₂, NHR,    NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are    alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), wherein Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group,    CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are    alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, and wherein Z is    a hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl, cyano and    derivatives therefrom; or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug    precursors and salts thereof.

As referred to herein, the designations D-like and L-like refer to theenantiomeric structures of the neplanocin derivatives. The designationsD-like and L-like carbocyclic nucleosides are used herein to drawanalogy to the natural D-, and their enantiomeric L-, ribofuranosylnucleosides.

As referred to herein, halogens include the group 17 elements: fluorine(F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).Halogens may further include artificially created elements.

As referred to herein, if a moiety is described as being “optionallysubstituted”, the moiety may be either substituted or unsubstituted.

Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to the neplanocin derivativecompounds herein by structure, formula, name or any other means,includes pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as sodium, potassium,and ammonium salts; alternate solid forms, such as polymorphs, solvates,hydrates, etc.; tautomers; or, any other chemical species that mayrapidly convert to a compound described herein under conditions in whichthe compounds are used as described herein.

In an embodiment, the neplanocin derivatives may further include theproduct precursors thereof. The term “prodrug” refers to derivatives ofthe compounds of the invention which have chemically or metabolicallycleavable groups and become, by solvolysis or under physiologicalconditions, the compounds of the invention which are pharmaceuticallyactive in vivo. A prodrug of a compound may be formed in a conventionalmanner by reaction of a functional group of the compound (such as anamino, hydroxy or carboxy group). Prodrugs often offer advantages ofsolubility, tissue compatibility, or delayed release in mammals, such asdescribed in Bungard, H., Design Of Prodrugs, pp. 7-9, 21-24, Elsevier,Amsterdam 1985, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

According to an embodiment of the invention a pharmaceutical compositionfor treating a subject with a viral infection or in need of prophylacticantiviral treatment is provided. A composition according to theinvention includes an antiviral effective amount or atherapeutically-effective amount of at least one of the neplanocinderivatives (analogue compounds) disclosed herein.

As one skilled in the art will ascertain, an antiviral effective amountor an amount sufficient to treat (e.g. therapeutically effective amount)refers to the amount of a pharmaceutical composition administered toimprove, inhibit, or ameliorate a condition of a subject, or a symptomof a disorder, in a clinically relevant manner (e.g., improve, inhibit,or ameliorate infection by a virus, such as the Ebola virus, or one ormore symptoms that occur following infection by the virus). Anyimprovement in the subject is considered sufficient to achievetreatment. Preferably, an amount sufficient to treat is an amount thatprevents the occurrence or one or more symptoms of the infection or isan amount that reduces the severity of, or the length of time duringwhich a subject suffers from, one or more symptoms of the infection(e.g., by at least 10%, 20%, or 30%, more preferably by at least 50%,60%, or 70%, and most preferably by at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, ormore, relative to a control subject that is not treated with acomposition of the invention).

Moreover, one skilled in the art will ascertain, an antiviral effectiveamount or an amount sufficient to treat may also refer to the amount ofa pharmaceutical composition containing at least one of the neplanocinderivatives administered to reduce or kill virus cells (e.g., by atleast 50%, 60%, or 70%, and most preferably by at least 80%, 90%, 95%,99%, or 100%).

A sufficient amount of the pharmaceutical composition containing atleast one of the neplanocin derivatives used to practice the methodsdescribed herein (e.g., the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infection)varies depending upon the nature of the particular virus and infectionwhich can be determined by standard clinical techniques, route ofadministration and the age, body weight, and general health of thesubject being treated. Ultimately, the prescribers or researchers willdecide the appropriate amount and dosage. In some aspects, in vitroassays are optionally employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges.The precise dose to be employed should be decided according to thejudgment of the practitioner and each subject's circumstances. However,suitable dosage ranges for intravenous administration are generallyabout 20 to 500 micrograms of active compound per kilogram body weight.Suitable dosage ranges for intranasal administration are generally about0.01 pg/kg body weight to 1 mg/kg body weight. Effective doses may beextrapolated from dose response curves derived from in vitro or animalmodel test systems. Suppositories generally contain active ingredient inthe range of 0.5% to 10% by weight; oral formulations preferably contain10% to 95% active ingredient.

By “pharmaceutical composition” the neplanocin derivative(s) of thepresent invention provide the therapeutically or biologically activeagent for formulation into a suitable delivery means for administrationto a subject. For the purposes of this invention, pharmaceuticalcompositions suitable for delivering the neplanocin derivatives caninclude, e.g., tablets, gelcaps, capsules, pills, powders, granulates,suspensions, emulsions, solutions, gels, hydrogels, oral gels, pastes,eye drops, ointments, creams, plasters, drenches, delivery devices,suppositories, enemas, injectables, implants, sprays, or aerosols. Anyof the aforementioned formulations can be prepared by well-known andaccepted methods of art. See, for example, Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy (21st edition), ed. A. R. Gennaro, LippincottWilliams & Wilkins, 2005, and Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology,ed. J. Swarbrick, Informa Healthcare, 2006, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

In an aspect, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise at least one ofthe neplanocin derivatives and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier orexcipient. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means approved by aregulatory agency of the Federal or a state government or listed in theU.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use inanimals, and more particularly in humans.

Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipientsthat can be used in said pharmaceutical compositions include, but arenot limited to, sugars (e.g., lactose, glucose or sucrose), starches(e.g., corn starch or potato starch), cellulose or its derivatives(e.g., sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose or celluloseacetate), oils (e.g., peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesameoil, olive oil, corn oil or soybean oil), glycols (e.g., propyleneglycol), buffering agents (e.g., magnesium hydroxide or aluminumhydroxide), agar, alginic acid, powdered tragacanth, malt, gelatin,talc, cocoa butter, pyrogen-free water, isotonic saline, Ringer'ssolution, ethanol, phosphate buffer solutions, lubricants, coloringagents, releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring orperfuming agents, preservatives, or antioxidants.

The term “excipient” refers to additives and stabilizers typicallyemployed in the art (all of which are termed “excipients”), includingfor example, buffering agents, stabilizing agents, preservatives,isotonifiers, non-ionic detergents, antioxidants and/or othermiscellaneous additives. Stabilizers refer to a broad category ofexcipients which can range in function from a bulking agent to anadditive which solubilizes the neplanocin derivative or helps to preventdenaturation of the same. Additional conventional excipients include,for example, fillers (e.g., starch), chelating agents (e.g., EDTA),antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, methionine, vitamin E) andcosolvents.

The term “carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehiclewith which the pharmaceutical composition is administered. Suchpharmaceutical carriers are illustratively sterile liquids, such aswater and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable orsynthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesameoil and the like. Water is a preferred carrier when the pharmaceuticalcomposition is administered intravenously. Saline solutions and aqueousdextrose and glycerol solutions are optionally employed as liquidcarriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceuticalexcipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt,rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate,talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol,water, ethanol and the like. The composition, if desired, also containswetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. Thesecompositions optionally take the form of solutions, suspensions,emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained releaseformulations and the like. The composition is optionally formulated as asuppository, with traditional binders and carriers such astriglycerides. Oral formulation illustratively includes standardcarriers such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch,magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate,etc. Examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in“Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In an aspect, pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention maybe formulated to release the composition immediately upon administration(e.g., targeted delivery) or at any predetermined time period afteradministration using controlled or extended release formulations.Administration of the pharmaceutical composition in controlled orextended release formulations is useful where the composition, eitheralone or in combination, has (i) a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., thedifference between the plasma concentration leading to harmful sideeffects or toxic reactions and the plasma concentration leading to atherapeutic effect is small; generally, the therapeutic index, TI, isdefined as the ratio of median lethal dose (LD₅₀) to median effectivedose (ED₅₀)); (ii) a narrow absorption window in the gastro-intestinaltract; or (iii) a short biological half-life, so that frequent dosingduring a day is required in order to sustain a therapeutic level. Oneskilled in the art will ascertain compositions for controlled orextended release of the pharmaceutical composition. In an aspect,controlled release can be obtained by controlled release compositionsand coatings which are known to those of skill in the art. Othercontrolled release systems are discussed in the review by Langer(Science 249:1527-1533 (1990)) the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

Methods of Use/Treatment

According to an embodiment of the invention at least one of theneplanocin derivatives are employed in methods of therapeutic orprophylactic treatment of an subject, which may be referred to as ananimal, including a human, against viral infection. As referred toherein, viral infection includes any disease state or conditioninvolving a viral infection. The methods of the invention are suitablefor therapeutic or prophylactic viral treatment for various viralinfections.

The compounds and methods disclosed herein can be used to treat viruseswithin various families of viruses as disclosed herein as part of apharmaceutically acceptable drug formulation. In an aspect, theneplanocin derivatives are broad spectrum antiviral agents asderivatives are capable of providing antiviral activity to more than onevirus or classification of virus. In an aspect, the virus is a DNA or anRNA virus. In an aspect, the RNA virus is a negative strand RNA virus.In a preferred aspect, the virus is human cytomegalovirus (HCMV),measles, filovirus, including Ebola, norovirus (NOV), dengue, vacciniaor HBV. In a most preferred aspect the filovirus virus is an Ebolavirus. In a further preferred aspect, the virus is a viral hemorrhagicfever (VHF) virus, referring to a group of febrile illnesses caused byfour families of RNA viruses: Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae,and Flaviviridae (as depicted in FIG. 4).

Many viruses share biochemical, regulatory, and signaling pathways.Relevant taxonomic families of RNA viruses include, without limitation,Arenaviridae, including for example tacaribe virus and pinchinde virus,Astroviridae, Birnaviridae, Bromoviridae, Bunyaviridae, including forexample rift valley fever virus and punta toro virus, Caliciviridae,Closteroviridae, Comoviridae, Coronaviridae, including for example SARScoronavirus, Cystoviridae, Flaviviridae, including for example dengueyellow fever virus, Flexiviridae, including for example dengue virus,west nile virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus,Hepevirus, including for example human cytomegalovirus and herpessimplex virus 1 and 2, Leviviridae, Luteoviridae, Mononegavirales,Mosaic Viruses, Nidovirales, Nodaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, includingfor example influenza virus such as influenza A H1N1 virus,Paramyxoviridae, including for example measles virus (genusMorbillivirus) and respiratory syncytial virus, Picobirnavirus,Picornaviridae, including for example polo virus, Potyviridae,Reoviridae, Retroviridae, Sequiviridae, Tenuivirus, Togaviridae,including for example Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus andchickungunya virus, Tombusviridae, Totiviridae, and Tymoviridae.

Relevant taxonomic families of DNA viruses include, without limitation,Adenoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Herpesviridae, including for example humancytomegalovirus (HCMV), Papillomaviridae, Papovaviridae, including forexample papillomavirus, BK virus, and JC virus, Parvoviridae, andPoxviridae, including for example vaccinia virus, small pox andmonkeypox virus.

Still further relevant taxonomic families of viruses include hepaticviruses, including for example hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus,norovirus, etc.

By “treating” is meant administering the neplanocin derivatives orpharmaceutical compositions containing the neplanocin derivatives forprophylactic and/or therapeutic purposes. Prophylactic treatment may beadministered, for example, to a subject who is not yet ill, but who issusceptible to, or otherwise at risk of, a particular disorder, e.g.,infection with a virus. Prophylactic treatment reduces the likelihood ofa subject contracting an infection from one or more of the virusesdescribed herein. Therapeutic treatment may be administered, forexample, to a subject already suffering from a disorder in order toimprove or stabilize the subject's condition (e.g., a patient alreadyinfected with a virus). Thus, in the claims and embodiments describedherein, treating is the administration to a subject either fortherapeutic or prophylactic purposes. In some instances, as comparedwith an equivalent untreated control, treatment may ameliorate adisorder or a symptom thereof by, e.g., 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% as measured by any standard technique.In some instances, treating can result in the inhibition of viralinfection, the treatment of the infection, and/or the amelioration ofsymptoms of the infection. Confirmation of treatment can be assessed bydetecting an improvement in or the absence of symptoms, or by theinability to detect the presence of the virus in the treated subject.

The methods of treatment are also meant to include the administering atherapeutically effective amount of at least one of the neplanocinderivatives or pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one ofthe neplanocin derivatives to reduce viral replication of the DNA andRNA viruses disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the neplanocinderivatives or pharmaceutical compositions containing the neplanocinderivatives of the present invention can reduce the replication of avirus (kill virus cells (CC50, also referred to as cellular toxicity))by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more.

The methods of the invention may comprise, consist of or consistessentially of administering at least one of the neplanocin derivativesor a pharmaceutical composition containing the neplanocin derivatives toa subject in need of the antiviral therapeutic or prophylactictreatment. As used herein, by “administering” is meant a method ofgiving a dosage of at least one of the neplanocin derivatives or apharmaceutical composition containing at least one of the neplanocinderivatives of the invention to an animal generally referred to as a“subject,” both of which are herein understood to include humanpatients. The compositions utilized in the methods described herein canbe administered by a route selected from, e.g., parenteral, dermal,transdermal, ocular, inhalation, buccal, sublingual, perilingual, nasal,rectal, topical administration, and oral administration or ingestion.Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraperitoneal,subcutaneous, intraarterial, intravascular, and intramuscularadministration. The preferred method of administration can varydepending on various factors (e.g., the components of the compositionbeing administered and the severity of the condition being treated). Ina preferred aspect, the administering is by ingestion, injection,infusion, or other bodily administration.

In an aspect, the dose of neplanocin derivative(s) provided to a subjectin need may be administered daily, more than once daily, three timesdaily, every other day or in a tapered fashion depending upon variousfactors, including for example, nature of prophylactic versustherapeutic treatment, severity of infection being treated, thepatient's overall health, and whether underlying conditions are present.For example, the more severe the infection, the higher the amount ofneplanocin derivatives may be required to effectively treat it. It isunderstood that a physician would be able to monitor and adjust doses,formulations, and application methods as needed based on the patient'ssymptoms and responses to therapy and within the parameters and doseranges described in the embodiments of the present invention.

The methods of treatment disclosed herein may be performed alone or inconjunction with another treatment. In an aspect, the methods oftreatment may be beneficially combined with other antivirals, includingfor example, amantadine, rimantadine, gancyclovir, acyclovir, ribavirin,penciclovir, oseltamivir, foscamet zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (ddI),lamivudine (3TC), zalcitabine (ddC), stavudine (d4T), nevirapine,delavirdine, indinavir, ritonavir, vidarabine, nelfinavir, saquinavir,relenza, tamiflu, pleconaril, interferons, etc. The methods of treatmentmay further be combined with other therapeutic agents, including forexample, steroids and corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone,fluticasone and glucocorticoid, antibiotics, analgesics,bronchodilators, or other treatments for respiratory and/or viralinfections.

The methods of treatment disclosed herein may be performed or providedto a subject, e.g., at home, the doctor's office, a clinic, a hospital'soutpatient department, or a hospital. The duration of the therapydepends on the age and condition of the subject, the severity of thesubject's infection, and how the subject responds to the treatment; thefactors can be determined by one of skill in the art.

While an understanding of the mechanism is not necessary to practice thepresent invention and while the present invention is not limited to anyparticular mechanism of action, it is contemplated that, in someembodiments, the known SAHase inhibition by neplanocin A provides asource of antiviral activity as inhibition of cellular SAHase isrequired for modulating essential replicative methylations byS-adenosylmethionine (SAM). In an aspect, neplanocin derivatives basedon D-like neplanocin derivatives, such as 3-deazaneplanocin (or otherknown components such as isteromycin) inhibiting SAHase activity providea beneficial mechanism of antiviral activity as shown in FIGS. 5A-C.

In an aspect, the neplanocin derivatives according to the inventionemployed in the methods of treatment disclosed herein provide a IC₅₀≦5.0μM. In a further aspect, the neplanocin derivatives employed in themethods of treatment disclosed herein provide a IC₅₀≦5.0 μM whilemaintaining a selectivity index (CC₅₀/IC₅₀)≧10. In some aspects,neplanocin derivatives screened against SAHase inhibitory assays havingan IC₅₀≦10.0 nM provide antiviral efficacy according to an SAHaseinhibition mechanism.

In other aspects, and without being limited to a particular mechanism ofaction, neplanocin derivatives, namely L-like enantiomers, employed inthe methods of treatment disclosed herein provide a weak SAHaseinhibition indicating an alternative mechanism of antiviral activity.The alternative mechanism of action, proposed to involve the C4 center(defined above in neplanocin derivatives as Y), namely CH₂OH for theD-3-Deazaisoneplanocin analogues, provides a further benefit ofcircumventing viral resistance due to a distinct mechanism of antiviralaction. As disclosed herein, in an aspect of the invention, it is anunexpected benefit of the claimed invention that certain neplanocinderivatives having less inhibitory effect against SAHase alsounexpectedly provide antiviral efficacy demonstrating an additional andpreviously unknown antiviral mechanism of action, such as for examplesubstrate affinity for kinases (e.g. adenosine, deoxcytidine). In apreferred aspect, L-like isoneplanocin derivatives (orpharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof)provide reduced SAHase inhibition in comparison to neplanocin A orD-like isoneplanocin while providing antiviral efficacy. In an aspect,reducued SAHase inhibition is indicated by an IC₅₀≧10.0 nM. Withoutbeing limited to a particular mechanism of action, beneficially, asdisclosed pursuant to the present invention, antiviral neplanocinderivatives, particularly L-like isoneplanocin derivatives (orpharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof) mayprovide decreased SAHase inhibition allowing cellular mRNA capmethylation and full protein synthesis and thereby providing antiviralefficacy without general toxicity.

In an aspect, the use of enantiomer neplanocin derivatives provides apair of potent antiviral agents as a result of distinct mechanisms ofaction for antiviral activity. In such an aspect, the methods oftreatment disclosed herein may include a combination of enantiomerneplanocin derivatives.

In an aspect, neplanocin derivatives having reduced SAHase inhibitoryeffects and maintained antiviral activity are employed to provideantiviral prophylaxis or treatment without SAHase inhibition-inducedgeneral toxicity. In a preferred aspect, the neplanocin derivativehaving the following L-like isoneplanocin formula is administered to asubject in need of antiviral therapeutic or prophylactic treatment, suchas for example an Ebola virus:

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group (or combination of the    same such that R is the same or is different), wherein Y is a    hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, wherein the R    and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X    is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a    hydroxyl group, and wherein X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen    (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl);    or pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.    It is unexpected that the L-like isoneplanocin analogue provides    antiviral efficacy, including for filovirus, including Ebola,    despite the reduced SAHase inhibitory effect, which is a known    mechanism of antiviral activity.

In a further aspect, deazaneplanocin derivatives, including D- andL-like 1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin (or pharmaceutically-acceptableprodrug precursors and salts thereof), provide reduced SAHase inhibitionin comparison to neplanocin A or D-like isoneplanocin while providingantiviral efficacy.

In an aspect, neplanocin derivatives having the following formulae areadministered to a subject in need of antiviral therapeutic orprophylactic treatment, such as for example an Ebola virus or any viralhemorrhagic fever (VHF):

L-Isoneplanocin Analogue

-   Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, X is NH₂, NHR, NRR′,    NHOH, or hydrogen (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl,    aryl or araalkyl), and Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH,    CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and NRR′ are alkyl,    aryl or araalkyl)), CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl    optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

D-3-Deazaisoneplanocin Analogue

L-3-Deazaisoneplanocin Analogue

-   Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄    alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, R3′ is a    hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally    substituted with a hydroxyl group, R6′ is a hydrogen or halogen    (preferably F), W is a hydrogen or a halogen (preferably F), X is    NH₂, NHR, NRR′, NHOH, or hydrogen (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and    NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl), Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl    group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂ (NHR, NRR′, (wherein the R and R′ in NHR and    NRR′ are alkyl, aryl or araalkyl)), CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen),    or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, and Z    is a hydrogen, halogen (preferably a F or Br), alkyl or substituted    alkyl, cyano and derivatives therefrom; or    pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursors and salts thereof.

The methods of treatment employing the neplanocin derivatives fortreatment of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) result in reduced viralreplication and reduced or elimination of symptoms of the viralinfections, including for example, fever, increased vascularpermeability, and coagulation defects causing severe bleeding and death.The methods for treatment of VHF are highly beneficial as there arecurrently no vaccines (excluding for yellow fever) or drug candidatescapable of treating VHF outbreaks. In an aspect of the invention, theneplanocin derivatives, including isoneplanocins, deazaneplanocins, anddeazaisoneplanocins provide broad-spectrum effectiveness towards the VHFas a result of the unexpected, distinct mechanisms of antiviraleffectiveness provided by the neplanocin derivatives, namely 1,6-isomersof neplanocin A and 1,6-deazaisomers of neplanocin A. It is a furtherbenefit of the methods of treatment that the distinct mechanisms ofantiviral efficacy reduce the ability of VHF to develop drug resistance.It is a still further benefit of the methods of treatment that acombination of neplanocin derivatives can be employed to take advantageof the distinct mechanisms of antiviral efficacy.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated as incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in thefollowing non-limiting Examples. It should be understood that theseExamples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and theseExamples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spiritand scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of theembodiments of the invention to adapt it to various usages andconditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of theinvention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of theappended claims.

General Materials and Methods

Melting points were recorded on a Meltemp II melting point apparatus andthe values were uncorrected. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded oneither a Bruker AC 600 spectrometer (600 MHz for proton and 150 MHz forcarbon) or a Bruker AV 400 spectrometer (400 MHz for proton and 100 MHzfor carbon), referenced to internal tetramethylsilane (TMS) at 0.0 ppm.The mass spectral data was determined using a Waters Micromass Q-TOFPremier Mass Spectrometer. The reactions were monitored by thin-layerchromatography (TLC) using 0.25 mm Whatman Diamond silica gel 60-F₂₅₄precoated plates with visualization by irradiation with a MineralightUVGL-25 lamp. Column chromatography was performed on Whatman silica,230-400 mesh, and 60 Å using elution with the indicated solvent system.Yields refer to chromatographically and spectroscopically ( ¹H and ¹³CNMR) homogeneous materials.

Example 1 Synthesis of D-Isoneplanocin. Step 1: Synthesis of(1S,2R,3S,5R)-2-((Benzyloxy)methyl)-3-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane5

A solution of cyclopentyl epoxide 4 (See Ludek & Meier, Synthesis 2003,13, 2101; Biggadkike et al., J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans, 1 1998, 549)(1.12 g, 5.08 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was treated with NaH (60%, 224 mg,6.10 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for an additional 30 min. and 4-methoxylbenzyl bromide (0.72mL, 5.59 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (20 mg, 0.05 mmol) wereadded. After 24 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturatedNH₄Cl solution and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was dried(Na₂SO₄), filtered and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation.The pure product (1.65 g, 95%) was isolated using column chromatography(2:1, hexanes/EtOAc) as a clear liquid: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) d ppm7.30-7.24 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.46(s, 2H), 4.38 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H),3.50 (m, 1 H), 3.43 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.37 (m, 2H), 2.57 (t, J=5.9 Hz,1 H), 2.13 (m, 1 H), 2.03 (m, 1 H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 159.0,138.0, 130.4, 129.3, 128.4, 127.6, 113.8, 80.5, 73.1, 70.4, 69.2,60.3,59.6, 57.9, 55.2, 47.4, 37.8. HRMS calculated for C₂₁H₂₄O₄Na [M+Na]⁺:363.1572; found 363.1564.

Step 2: Synthesis of(1R,4S,5S)-5-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopent-2-enol6

To a solution of(1S,2R,3S,5R)-2-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-3-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane5 (450 mg, 1.32 mmol) in THF (40 mL), lithium hexamethyldisilazide (7mL, 1.0 M in THF, 7 mmol) was added dropwise at room temperature. Thereaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 3 h. The resulting solutionwas cooled to room temperature, quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solutionand extracted with EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, washed withbrine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The cruderesidue was purified by column chromatography (1:1, EtOAc/hexanes) togive 6 (380 mg, 84%) as a yellow liquid: ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm7.33-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.22 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.91(s, 2H), 4.53-4.46 (m, 4H), 4.42 (d, J=4.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.24 (d, J=4.6 Hz,1 H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 2.77 (br, 1 H), 2.26 (m, 1 H); ¹³C NMR(150 MHz, CDCl₃) d ppm 159.2, 138.3, 136.2, 133.2, 130.6, 129.4, 128.4,127.70, 127.68, 113.8, 83.6, 77.8, 73.2, 70.1, 70.0, 55.8, 55.3. HRMScalculated for C₂₁H₂₄O₄Na [M+Na]⁺: 363.1572; found 363.1577.

Step 3: Synthesis of (1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)-3-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol7

To a solution of(1R,4S,5S)-5-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopent-2-enol(220 mg, 0.65 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) was added mCPBA (335 mg, 77%, 1.5mmol) at 0° C. This mixture was stirred overnight and quenched withsodium bisulfite. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ andwashed with NaHCO₃, brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography (1:1,EtOAc/hexanes) to give 7 (380 mg, 84%) as a white solid, mp 72-73° C.;¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 7.32-7.24 (m, 7H), 6.85 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H),4.61 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.48 (dd, J=11.8, 15.6 Hz, 2H), 4.39 (d,J=11.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.03 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.65 (dd, J=2.7,9.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.50 (m, 3H), 2.69 (br, 1 H), 1.80 (m, 1 H); ¹³C NMR (100MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 159.3, 138.2, 130.2, 129.4, 128.3 (2C), 127.6, 113.8,77.0, 73.1, 71.8, 71.1, 66.9, 56.7, 55.2, 54.5, 44.9. HRMS calculated.for C₂₁H₂₄O₅Na [M+Na]⁺: 379.1521; found 379.1511.

Step 4: Synthesis of(1S,2R,3S,4S,5R)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-((benzyloxy)methyl)-5_((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopentane-1,3-diol 8

Adenine (1.23 g, 9.1 mmol) and(1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)-3-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol(1.30 g, 3.65 mmol) were suspended in DMF (20 mL) under N₂ for 15 min.at room temperature. 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU, 1.64 mL,10.9 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 90° C. for 8h. After the reaction was cooled to room temperature, the resultingsolid was removed by filtration over Celite and then rinsed with CH₂Cl₂.The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residuepurified by column chromatography to afford 8 (900 mg, 50%) as whitesolid (20:1, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH): m.p. 163-165° C.: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) dppm8.13 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.36-7.27 (m, 7H), 7.16 (s, 2H), 6.87 (d,J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.83 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 5.06 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 4.61-4.50(m, 6H), 4.27 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.73 (m, 4H), 3.58 (dd, J=4.2, 9.4 Hz, 1 H),3.51 (m, 1H), 2.10 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO) dppm 158.7, 156.1,152.0, 149.9, 141.2, 138.6, 130.8, 129.3, 128.3, 127.5, 127.4, 119.6,113.6, 77.8, 72.2, 71.1, 70.5, 70.3, 69.2, 67.6, 55.1, 50.7. HRMScalculated for C₂₆H₃₀N₅O₅ [M+H]⁺: 492.2247; found 492.2241.

Step 5: Synthesis of(1R,2S,3R,4S,5S)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-cyclopentane-1,2,4-triol 10

To a solution of(1S,2R,3S,4S,5R)-2-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-((benzyloxy)methyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopentane-1,3-diol(100 mg, 0.20 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 1N HCl (2 mL) and thesolution was stirred at 50° C. for 4 h. The solvent was removed underreduced pressure to give 10 (70 mg, 94%) as white solid that was useddirectly in this form in the next step. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, MeOD) d ppm8.59 (s, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.29 (m, 5H), 4.89 (m, 1H), 4.63 (m,3H), 4.53 (m, 1 H), 4.17 (m, 1 H), 3.76 (m, 2H), 2.23 (m, 1H). HRMScalculated for C₁₈H₂₂N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 372.1672; found 372.1666.

Step 6: Synthesis of(3αS,4R,5S,6S,6αR)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-((benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d] [1,3]dioxol-5-ol 11

To a solution of(1R,2S,3R,4S,5S)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-cyclopentane-1,2,4-triol(70 mg, 0.19 mmol) in acetone (5 mL) was added triethyl orthoformate(0.25 mL, 1.50 mmol) and p-TsOH•H₂O (65 mg, 0.33 mmol). The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, quenched with saturatedNaHCO₃ solution (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organicphases were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and evaporated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified via column chromatography (20:1,EtOAc/MeOH) to give 11 (60 mg, 77%) as a white foam: ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) dppm 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.36-7.24 (m, 5H), 5.80 (s,2H), 4.80 (t, J=7.02 Hz, 1 H), 4.70-4.63 (m, 2H), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.42(dd, J=6.8, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (m, 2H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 1.61 (s, 3H), 1.38(s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 155.6, 152.0, 149.4, 140.6,137.9, 128.3, 127.6, 119.3, 113.3, 79.6, 77.9, 73.3, 73.2, 69.3, 67.9,50.1, 27.1, 24.8. HRMS calculated for C₂₁H₂₆N₅O₄ [M+H]⁺: 412.1985; found412.1975.

Step 7: Synthesis of(3αS,4S,5S,6R,6αR)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-99benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl methanesulfonate 12

To a solution of(3aS,4R,5S,6S,6aR)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-((benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ol(90 mg, 0.22 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) were added, dropwise,triethylamine (0.06 mL, 0.44 mmol), methanesulfonyl chloride (0.02 mL,0.26 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (5 mg, 0.04 mmol) at 0° C. underN₂. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reactionmixture was quenched with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and extracted withCH₂Cl₂. The organic phases were dried (Na₂SO₄). The residue, afterfiltration and evaporation, was loaded onto silica gel. Columnchromatography (30:1, EtOAc/MeOH) afforded 12 (100 mg, 93%) as a whitefoam: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.34(m, 5H), 6.28 (s, 2H), 5.78 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 5.15 (m, 1H), 4.82 (ddd,J=9.3, 8.0, 5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 3.83 (dd, J=9.7, 4.0 Hz, 1H),3.76 (dd, J=9.7, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 2.63-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s,3H), 1.30 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 155.8, 152.3, 149.9,140.5, 137.8, 128.5, 127.9, 127.8, 120.3, 113.5, 81.2, 79.2, 77.5, 73.5,66.9, 66.7, 49.1, 37.5, 27.5, 25.1. HRMS calculated for C₂₂H₂₈N₅O₆S[M+H]⁺: 490.1760; found 490.1782.

Step 8: Synthesis of9-((3αS,6R,6αR)-6-((Benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-6,6α-dihydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl) -9H-purin-amine 13

To a solution of (3aS,4S,5S,6R,6aR)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-99benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethanesulfonate (70 mg, 0.14 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added sodiummethoxide (25 mg, 0.46 mmol) in MeOH (0.5 mL) and the reaction mixturewas refluxed for 4 h. The residue, after evaporation under reducedpressure, was loaded onto silica gel, which was then added to a columnfor chromatographic purification (50:1, EtOAc/MeOH) to afford 13 (50 mg,89%) as white solid, mp 187-188° C.: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm 8.40(s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.33-7.28 (m, 5H), 6.70 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16(s, 2H), 5.53 (dd, J=5.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 4.73 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.54 (s,2H), 3.69 (dd, J=9.4, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 3.48 (dd, J=9.4, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 3.25(m, 1H), 1.42 (s, 3H), 1.41 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm155.5, 153.4, 150.1, 138.7, 138.6, 135.3, 128.4, 127.7, 127.6, 119.8,119.2, 111.6, 82.9, 80.6, 73.2, 70.6, 50.1, 27.4, 25.9. HRMS calculatedfor C₂₁H₂₄N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 394.1879; found 394.1873.

Step 9: Synthesis of((3αR,4R,6αS)-6-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-4,6α-dihydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)methanol 14

A solution of9-((3aS,6R,6aR)-6-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-6,6a-dihydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)-9H-purin-amine(300 mg, 0.76 mmol) and 20% Pd(OH)₂/C (375 mg) in cyclohexene (5 mL) andEtOH (8 mL) was heated at reflux for 12 h and then filtered throughCelite. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography (9:1, EtOAc/MeOH) to give 14 (200mg, 87%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD) dppm 8.34 (s, 1H),8.26 (s, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.65 (dd, J=1.2, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.75(d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.62 (br, 1H, OH), 3.77 (dd, J=4.9, 11.1 Hz, 1H),3.63 (dd, J=5.8, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 1.42 (s, 3H), 1.38 (s, 3H);¹³C NMR (100 MHz, MeOD) dppm 157.6, 154.5, 151.0, 140.4, 137.1, 121.3,120.5, 112.6, 84.1, 81.9, 64.0, 53.8, 27.8, 26.0. HRMS calculated forC₁₄H₁₈N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 304.1410; found 304.1411.

Step 10: Synthesis of “D”-Isoneplanocin;(1R,2S,5R)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol2

To a solution of((3aR,4R,6aS)-6-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-4,6a-dihydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)methanol(190 mg, 0.63 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 2N HCl (5 mL) and thereaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The solutionwas then neutralized with IRA-67 resin and the filtrate was evaporatedto give 2 (150 mg, 90%) as a pale white solid, mp 195-196° C.: ¹H NMR(600 MHz, D₂O) dppm 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 6.17 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H),4.86 (dd, J=1.3, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.09 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (dd, J=4.6,11.5 Hz, 1H), 3.63 (dd, J=5.5, 11.5 Hz, 1H), 2.87 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (150MHz, D₂O) dppm 154.9, 152.3, 147.8, 139.5, 134.5, 123.6, 117.8, 73.0,71.0, 61.0, 22 9 50.8. HRMS calculated for C₁₁H₁₄N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 264.1097;found 264.1093. [a]^(22.9) _(D) 38.5° (c 0.18, H₂O).

The synthesis methods for D-isoneplanocin required distinct pathway andseparation of enantiomer compounds resulting in separate synthesispathway to generate the more preferred enantiomer L-isoneplanocin.

Example 2 Synthesis of L-Isoneplanocin. Steps 1-3: The procedureoutlined in Example 1, steps 1-3 for the preparation of(1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)-3-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol7. Step 4: Synthesis of(1S,2R,3R,4R,5S)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopentane-1,2-diol9

Adenine (1.23 g, 9.1 mmol) and(1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)-3-(Benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol(1.30 g, 3.65 mmol) were suspended in DMF (20 mL) under N₂ for 15 min.at room temperature. 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU, 1.64 mL,10.9 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 90° C. for 8h. After the reaction was cooled to room temperature, the resultingsolid was removed by filtration over Celite and then rinsed with CH₂Cl₂.The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residuepurified by column chromatography to afford 9 (550 mg, 31%) as whitefoam (10:1, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, respectively): ¹H NMR (600 MHz, MeOD) d ppm8.07 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.30 (m, 5H), 6.69 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H),6.47 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 4.72 (t, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (m, 3H), 4.41 (t,J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 1H), 4.04(m, 1H), 3.63 (m, 5H), 2.31 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (150 MHz, MeOD) dppm 160.6,157.1, 153.2, 150.9; 142.9, 139.9, 131.0, 130.5, 129.5, 129.1, 128.9,120.9, 114.3, 78.6, 74.4, 73.4, 72.9, 72.6, 70.8, 68.7, 55.7, 52.7. HRMScalculated for C₂₆H₃₀N₅O₅ [M+H]⁺: 492.2247; found 492.2243.

Step 5: Synthesis of9-((3αR,4S,5R,6R,6αS)-6-((Benzyloxymethyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d] [1,3]dioxol-4-yl)-9H-purin-6-amine 15

To a solution of(1S,2R,3R,4R,5S)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-4-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)cyclopentane-1,2-diol(90 mg, 0.18 mmol) in acetone (5 mL) was added triethyl orthoformate(0.18 mL, 1.08 mmol) and p-TsOH•H₂O (41 mg, 0.21 mmol). The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, quenched with saturatedNaHCO₃ solution (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organicphases were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and evaporated under reducedpressure. The resulting residue was purified via column chromatography(20:1, EtOAc/MeOH) to give 15 (80 mg, 84%) as a white foam: ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) d ppm 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 5H), 6.71(d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.52 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.03 (s, 2H), 5.10 (m, 1H),4.76-4.70 (m, 3H), 4.69-4.63 (m, 2H), 4.15 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 1H), 4.00 (d,J=11.6 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (dd, J=3.6, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 3.70-3.64 (m, 4H), 2.37(m, 1H), 1.54 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dppm159.1, 155.5, 152.4, 149.6, 140.9, 138.1, 129.5, 129.1, 128.4, 127.72.127.69, 120.5, 113.3, 112.9, 78.63, 78.60, 77.4, 73.2, 72.8, 68.5, 67.6,55.1, 50.1, 27.5, 25.0. HRMS calculated for C₂₉H₃₄N₅O₅ [M+H]⁺: 532.2560;found 532.2568.

Step 6: Synthesis of(3αR,4S,5R,6R,6αS)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-((benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d] [1,3]dioxol-5-ol 16

To a solution of9-((3aR,4S,5R,6R,6aS)-6-((Benzyloxymethyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)-9H-purin-6-amine(70 mg, 0.13 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O (20:1, 5 mL) was added2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (60 mg, 0.26 mmol) at 0° C.After 5 h, the reaction mixture was poured into saturated NaHCO₃,extracted with CH₂Cl₂ and the organic layers combined, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purifiedvia column chromatography (20:1, EtOAc/MeOH) to give 16 (50 mg, 93%) asa white solid, mp 172-174° C. HRMS calculated for C₂₁H₂₆N₅O₄ [M+H]⁺:412.1985; found 412.1966.

Step 7: Synthesis of(3αR,4R,5R,6S,6αS)-4-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-6-((benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d] [1,3]dioxol-5-yl methansulfonate 17

Following the procedure for the preparation of 12, compound 17 wasobtained from 16 (220 mg, 0.54 mmol) as a white foam (240 mg, 90%). The¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic measurements were consistent with thatreported above for 12. HRMS calculated for C₂₂H₂₈N₅O₆S [M+H]⁺: 490.1760;found 490.1782.

Step 8: Synthesis of9-((3αR,6S,6αS)-6-((Benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-6,6α-dihydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl) -9H-purin-6-amine 18

Following the procedure for the preparation of 13, compound 18 wasobtained from 17 (210 mg, 0.42 mmol) as a white solid (150 mg, 90%). The¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic measurements were consistent with thatreported above for 13. HRMS calculated for C₂₁H₂₄N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 394.1879;found 394.1848.

Step 9: Synthesis of((3αS,4S,6αS)-6-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-4,6α-dihydro-3αH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)methanol 19

Following the procedure for the preparation of 14, compound 19 wasobtained from 18 (120 mg, 0.30 mmol) as a white solid (80 mg, 87%). The¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic measurements were consistent with thatreported above for 14. HRMS calculated for C₁₄H₁₈N₅O3 [M+H]⁺: 304.1410;found 304.1401.

Step 10: Synthesis of “L”-Isoneplanocin;(1S,2R,5S)-3-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol3

Following the procedure for the preparation of 2, compound 3 wasobtained from 19 (70 mg, 0.23 mmol) as a white solid (56 mg, 92%), mp191-193 ° C. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic measurements wereconsistent with that reported above for 2. HRMS calculated forC₁₁H₁₄N₅O₃ [M+H]⁺: 264.1097; found 264.1090. [a]^(23.0) _(D)−32.8° (c0.04, H₂O).

The synthesis methods for L-isoneplanocin beneficially arrived at thepreferred enantiomer. However, distinct synthesis pathway employingalternative starting materials would be preferred to preferentiallygenerate a single enantiomer without requiring separation of theenantiomer.

Example 3 Antiviral Activities of “D”-Isoneplanocin and“L”-Isoneplanocin

“D”-Isoneplanocin and “L”-Isoneplanocin synthesized in examples 1 and 2,respectively, were evaluated against both DNA and RNA viruses to addresstheir efficacy in reducing viral replication. The compound concentrationresulting in 50% reduction in viral replication (EC₅₀), the compoundconcentration reducing cell viability by 50% (CC₅₀) and the selectivityindex (SI₅₀ : CC₅₀/EC₅₀) are shown in Table 1.

The antiviral assays were based on inhibition of virus-inducedcytopathicity in either 2.2.15 (HBV), HFF (Vaccinia, HCMV), HG23 (NOV),or Vero (Dengue, Measles, Ebola) cell cultures, following previouslyestablished procedures (Chen et al, Bio. & Med. Chem. 2014, 22,6961-6964, including description of assay methods in references12(a)-(i), which are herein incorporated by reference its its entirety).Confluent cell cultures in 36-well microtitre plates were inoculatedwith 100 CCID₅₀ of virus, 1 CCID₅₀ being the virus dose required toinfect 50% of the cell cultures. After a 1 hour virus absorption period,residual virus was removed, and the cell cultures were incubated in thepresence of varying concentrations of the test compounds. Viralcytopathicity was recorded as soon as it reached completion in thecontrol virus-infected cell cultures that were not treated with the testcompounds.

TABLE 1 (Antiviral activity of “D”-Isoneplanocin and “L”-Isoneplanocin(in mM)) Virus (host cell line) “D”-Isoneplanocin “L”-Isoneplanocin HBVEC₅₀ 7.2 inactive (2.2.15) EC₉₀ 35 CC₅₀ > 100 SI₅₀ > 14 SI₉₀ > 3Vaccinia EC₅₀ 10.08 inactive (HFF) EC₉₀ > 300 CC₅₀ > 300 SI₅₀ > 30 SI₉₀1 HCMV EC₅₀ 0.11 EC₅₀ 3.70 (HFF) EC₉₀ > 12 EC₉₀ 6.86 CC₅₀ > 49.33 CC₅₀ >300 SI₅₀ > 448 SI₅₀ > 81 SI₉₀ < 4 SI₉₀ > 44 NOV EC₅₀ 0.784 EC₅₀ 11(HG23) EC₉₀ 8.884 EC₉₀ 89 CC₅₀ > 100 CC₅₀ > 300 SI₅₀ > 128 SI₅₀ > 9SI₉₀ > 11 SI₉₀ > 1 Dengue EC₅₀ 1.1, 1.5 EC₅₀ 6.1, 5.7 (Vero 76) CC₅₀25.3, 23.8 CC₅₀ 87, 122 SI₅₀ 17, 21 SI₅₀ 15, 21 Measles EC₅₀ < 0.38 EC₅₀0.72, 0.72 (Vero 76) EC₉₀ ND^(a) EC₉₀ ND^(a) CC₅₀ > 1.33 CC₅₀ > 12.2,15.2 SI₅₀ > 3.5 SI₅₀ 17, 21 Ebola (Zaire) EC₅₀ 0.38 EC₅₀ 0.76 (Vero)CC₅₀ 1.3 CC₅₀ 11.4 SI₅₀ 3.5 SI₅₀ 15 ^(a)ND, not determined

As shown in Table 1, both isoneplanocin enantiomers provide activitytowards human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), measles, Ebola, norovirus, anddengue. “D”-Isoneplanocin displayed activity towards hepatitis B virusand vaccinia virus. In general, “D”-Isoneplanocin displayed cytotoxicityat lower concentrations compared to “L”-Isoneplanocin demonstrating apreference for the L-enantiomer as a potential drug candidate forantiviral activity.

Example 4 S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase (SAHase) Inhibition by“D”-Isoneplanocin and “L”-Isoneplanocin

As a consequence of “D”-Isoneplanocin and “L”-Isoneplanocin, beingisomers of Neplanocin A, which on one hand is a potent inhibitor ofS-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHase), a mechanism agreed upon asone source of its antiviral activity and on the other hand thought tocontribute to cytotoxicity, the inhibitory efficiency on SAHase activitywas assayed (source: rabbit erythrocytes). The inhibition of SAHaseactivity can be quantitated by the release of free homocysteine. SAHasefrom rabbit erythrocytes (Sigma) is dialyzed at 4° C. for 2 h in abuffer containing 20% glycerol and 50 mM potassium phosphate pH 7.4. Thepresence of adenosine deaminase insures that the reaction will proceedin the forward (hydrolysis) direction only. The enzyme preparation isincubated with or without the target compounds at differentconcentrations in 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.4 for 5 minutesat 37° C. before SAH is added. The formation of homocysteine is detectedusing the Measure-iTTM thiol quantitation reagent according to themanufacturer's instructions (Life technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.).Plates are read on Spectra Max M2 (Molecular Devices).

The assay produced the following results (IC₅₀ in nM): Neplanocin A (0.9nM); “D”-Isoneplanocin A (0.9 nM); “L”-Isoneplanocin A (27 nM).“D”-Isoneplanocin possesses an inhibitory effect on SAHase comparable toNeplanocin A, while a much higher concentration of “L”-Isoneplanocin isrequired to inhibit SAHase to the same extent, suggesting that the“L”-Isoneoplanicn enantiomer displays a considerably less inhibitoryeffect on SAHase activity.

Collectively, these data indicated L-Isoneplanocin to be 2 fold lessactive against Ebola than isomer D- but it was also less toxic. TheSAHase inhibitory results suggested a correlation with the Ebolaactivity for D-Isoneplanocin; however, in the case of L-isoneplanocinthe weaker Ebola effect may be due to its reduced impact on the SAHaseor the existence of a different anti-Ebola mechanism.

Example 5 Synthesis and Antiviral Properties of3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin and 3-Bromo-3-Deazaaristeromycin

In order to explore antiviral mechanisms initiated by 3-deazaadeninecarbocyclic nucleosides, 3-bromo-3-deazaneplanocin and3-bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin can be synthesized from a readily availablecyclopentenol and cyclopentanone and either 4-amino- or4-chloro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (6-amino- or 6-chloro-3-deazaadenine)in 5 steps and 7 steps, as described in Liu et al 2012.

The antiviral properties of 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin and3-Bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin, analogues of 3-Deazaneplanocin, areassayed such as prior example 3. Both compounds were evaluated againstboth DNA and RNA viruses and Tables 2 and 3 list where activity wasobserved. Moreover, activity against a panel of influenza viruses isshown in Table 4.

TABLE 2 (Antiviral activity of 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin) Virus Cellline EC₅₀ ^(a) mM CC₅₀ ^(b) mM CC₅₀/EC₅₀ Marburg HeLa 0.009 10 1100Ebola HeLa 3.3 11 3 ^(a)Compound concentration that reduces viralreplication by 50% ^(b)Compound concentration that reduces cellviability by 50%

TABLE 3 (Antiviral activity of 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin and 3-Bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin) 3-Bromo-3- deazaneplanocin 3-Bromo-3- CC₅₀ ^(b)deazaaristeromycin Virus Cell line EC₅₀ ^(a) MCC^(d) SI^(c) EC₅₀ ^(a)CC₅₀ ^(b) SI^(c) Rift Valley Vero 76 <0.094  23.2^(b) 250 58.3 >290 5Fever Punta Toro Vero 76 0.25    35^(b) 140 Tacaribe Vero 76 <0.094  188^(b) >2000 9.9 79 7.9 Pichinde Vero 1.2  27.5^(b) 24 Junin Vero0.094  15.2^(b) 160 93 Dengue Vero 2.9   167^(b) 57 230 184 2 VacciniaHeLa 0.5 >100^(d) >300 >1.3 Vesicular stomatitis HeLa 0.4   100^(d)Epstein Barr Akata >0.03  0.13^(b) <4.3 Parainfluenza-3 Vero 0.5>100^(d) Feline herpes CRFK 0.2    94^(b) 470 ^(a)EC₅₀ compoundconcentration that reduces viral replication by 50% ^(b)CC₅₀ compoundconcentration that reduces cell viability by 50% ^(c)SI₅₀: CC₅₀/EC₅₀^(d)MCC: minimum compound concentration that causes a microscopicallydetectable alternation of normal cell morphology

TABLE 4 (In vitro activities of 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin and 3-Bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin against influenza viruses (in mM)^(abc)) 3-Bromo-3-3-Bromo-3- deazaneplanocin deazaaristeromycin Virus Cell line ^(a)EC₅₀^(b)CC₅₀ ^(c)SI ^(a)EC₅₀ ^(b)CC₅₀ ^(c)SI Flu A (H1N1) MDCK <0.094220 >2345 >290 >290 0 Flu A (H3N2) MDCK 1.55 >290 >190 >290 >290 0 Flu A(H5N1) MDCK 0.94 >290 >310 1.14 >290 >260 Influenza B MDCK >0.16 1.1 <70.84 >290 >340 ^(a)EC₅₀ compound concentration that reduces viralreplication by 50% ^(b)CC₅₀ compound .concentration that reduces cellviability by 50% ^(c)SI: CC₅₀/EC₅₀

Antiviral analysis found 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin to displaysignificant activity towards a number of (−)-ssRNA and a few dsDNAviruses. 3-Bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin was less active than3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin against selected examples of those virusesaffected by 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin. 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin shows agreater efficiency at reducing viral replication, albeit with increasedcytotoxicity compared to 3-Bromo-3-deazaaristeromycin as shown in Tables3 & 4. Importantly, 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin displays antiviralactivity to a large panel of DNA and RNA viruses, suggesting its utilityas a broad spectrum viral hemorrhagic fever agent.

Example 6 S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase (SAHase) Inhibition by3-Deazaneplanocin and 3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin

3-Deazaneplanocin and 3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin were evaluated againstthe inhibitory efficiency of SAHase (depicted in FIG. 6 as SAHaseactivity quantitated by release of free homocysteine), such as describedin prior example 4. The results are shown in Table 5 and FIG. 7.

TABLE 5 (Inhibitory properties versus SAHase (IC₅₀)^(a)) Compound IC₅₀3-Deazaneplanocin 9.3 nM “D”-Isoneplanocin 0.9 nM “L”-Isoneplanocin 27nM “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin 3.19 nM “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin >10,000 nM3-Bromo-3-deazaneplanocin 2.7 nM ^(a)From rabbit erythrocytes

This assay produced the following results (IC₅₀ in nM):3-Deazaneplanocin (9.3 nM); 3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin (2.7 nM) (Table5). 3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin shows less efficiency at inhibiting SAHasewhen compared to 3-deazaneplanocin (as shown in Table 5), as shown inFIG. 7. The chemical structures of the evalulated neplanocin analoguesare shown in FIG. 8 (D-3-deazaisoneplanocin (FIG. 8A),L-3-deazaisoneplanocin (FIG. 8B), D-3-bromo-3-deazaneplanocin (FIG. 8C)and L-3-bromo-3-deazaneplanocin (FIG. 8D). The broad antiviral activityseen with 3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin correlates with inhibition ofSAHase, suggesting that targeting of this cellular enzyme largelyprovides the mechanism of 3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin antiviral activity.Development of therapeutics that target host-encoded functions, such as3-Bromo-3-Deazaneplanocin, is advantageous not only to reduce resistancedevelopment but also to increase potential for broad-spectrum antiviralactivity.

Example 7 Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocinand “L”-3-Deazisoneplanocin

The previous studies with neplanocin-based (examples 3 and 5) antiviralcandidates led to evaluation of isomeric 1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocinwhich based on earlier analysis of its dramatic structural differencesis evaluated for its distinct antiviral properties. The analysis wasconcurrent with interest in L-like carbocyclic nucleoside series, whichhad received little attention as a source of antiviral candidates butwas an attractive structural feature because of the decreased toxicityassociated with the L-ribofuranosyl nucleosides. Thus, these interestswere combined to seek “D-” and “L-”1′,6′-iso-3-deazaneplanocin andanalogs therefrom as antiviral candidates. The synthesis of“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin in a scheme suchas prior examples 1, 2, and 5.

Antiviral tests were conducted on “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin and“L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin using the following assays: measles virus(visual) and (neutral red), human cytomegalovirus (crystal violet), andEbola virus (Real Time Polymerase Chain

Reaction). The antiviral activity of the compounds were tested in vitroin Vero 76 cell line for measles, HFF cell line for HCMV and HepG cellline for Ebola.

“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin data: measles:“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀<0.1, CC₅₀>100, SI₅₀>1000; drug assay:visual (cytopathic effect/toxicity). Measles: “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin,EC₅₀<0.1, CC₅₀ 43, SI₅₀>430; drug assay: neutral red (cytopathiceffect/toxicity). measles: “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀ 8.7, CC₅₀>100,SI₅₀>11; drug assay: visual (cytopathic effect/toxicity). Measles:“L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀5.5, CC₅₀>100, SI₅₀ 18; drug assay:neutral red (cytopathic effect/toxicity). HCMV:“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀<0.1, CC₅₀>300.00, SI₅₀ >3000, EC₉₀<0.10,SI₉₀>3000; drug assay: crystal violet (cytopathic effect/toxicity).HCMV: “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀<0.1, CC₅₀>300.00, SI₅₀>3000,EC₉₀<0.10, SI₉₀>3000; drug assay: crystal violet (cytopathiceffect/toxicity). Ebola: “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀<0.32;CC₅₀>100.00, SI₅₀>313, EC₉₀>74.10, SI₉₀>1; drug assay: real timepolymerase chain reaction (virus yield reduction/CellTiter 96,toxicity). Ebola: “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, EC₅₀<03.2; CC₅₀>100.00,SI₅₀>312, EC₉₀<0.32, SI₉₀>312; drug assay: real time polymerase chainreaction (virus yield reduction/CellTiter 96, toxicity).

TABLE 6 (Antiviral properties of “D-“ and “L-“ 3-Deazaisoneplanocin)″D″-3- ″L″-3- Deazaisoneplanocin Deazaisoneplanocin Virus Cell line EC₅₀EC₉₀ CC₅₀ SI₅₀ EC₅₀ EC₉₀ CC₅₀ SI₅₀ Measles Virus Vero 76 <0.1 >100 >10008.7 >100 >11 Human HFF <0.10 <0.10 >300 >3000 <0.10 <0.10 >300 >3000cytomegalovirus Ebola (Zaire) HepG <0.32 74.1 >100.00 >313 <0.32<0.32 >100.00 >312 EC₅₀ Compound concentration that reduces viralreplication by 50% EC₉₀ Compound concentration that reduces viralreplication by 90% CC₅₀ Compound concentration that reduces cellviability by 50% SI₅₀ CC₅₀/EC₅₀

D- and L-3-deazaisonepalnocin enantiomers display activity againstMeasles virus (Vero 76), Human cytomegalovirus (HFF) and Ebola (HepG).The IC₅₀ Ebola (Zaire) data in HepG cells showed both enantiomers to beequipotent and non-cytotoxic (IC₅₀<0.32 mM; CC₅₀>100 mM) yet at IC₉₀“L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin was more potent (IC₉₀<0.32 mM compared to“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin, IC₉₀ 74.1 mM). Equally relevant was the SAHasedata for the two enantiomers (Table 5 and example 8); D-5 (IC₅₀ 3.19 nM)and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin (IC₅₀>10,000 nM). Collectively, this datasuggests that the Ebola results for “D”-3-deazaisoneplanocin correlatewith its SAHase effect but the same is not true for“L”-3-deazaisoneplanocin. Interestingly, two anti-Ebola candidates havebeen identified that are enantiomers but are acting by differentmechanisms. This anti-Ebola efficacy is further shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Cell Compound line ^(a)EC₅₀ ^(b)CC₅₀ CC₅₀/EC₅₀“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin HepG <0.32 mM >100 mM >313 mM“L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin HepG <0.32 mM >100 mM >313 mM ^(a)Compoundconcentration that reduces viral replication by 50% ^(b)Compoundconcentration that reduces cell viability by 50%

Example 8

The antiviral tests were conducted along side control compounds forMeasles virus, Human Cytomegalovirus, and Ebola virus. The followingcontrol assays were applied: measles virus (visual) and (neutral red),human cytomegalovirus (crystal violet), and Ebola virus (Real TimePolymerase Chain Reaction). The antiviral activity of the controlcompounds were tested in vitro in Vero 76 cell line for measles, HFFcell line for HCMV and HepG cell line for Ebola.

Control drug reference data: Measles: 3-Deazaguanine, EC₅₀ 3.2;CC₅₀>100, SI₅₀>31; control assay: visual (cytopathic effect/toxicity).Measles: 3-Deazaguanine, EC₅₀ 2.1; CC₅₀>100, SI₅₀>48; control assay:neutral red (cytopathic effect/toxicity). HCMV: ganciclovir, EC₅₀ 0.47;CC₅₀>300, SI₅₀>638, EC₉₀ 0.92, SI₉₀>326; control assay: crystal violet(cytopathic effect/toxicity). Ebola: carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine (1),EC₅₀ <1.26; CC₅₀>126.50, SI₅₀>100, EC₉₀>126.50, SI₉₀ 1; control assay:real time polymerase chain reaction (virus yield reduction/CellTiter 96,toxicity). Ebola: carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine (2), EC₅₀ 7.69;CC₅₀>400.00, SI₅₀>52; control assay: control assay: real time polymerasechain reaction (virus yield reduction/CellTiter 96, toxicity). Ebola:E-64D, EC₅₀ 8.44, CC₅₀>400.00 SI₅₀>47, EC₉₀ 65.40, SI₉₀>6; controlassay: real time polymerase chain reaction (virus yieldreduction/CellTiter 96, toxicity).

Interestingly, “D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin (<0.1 mg/ml) displayed highantiviral properties towards measles, requiring approximately 20 to 30times lower drug concentration to reduce viral replication to the sameextent as the control drug, 3-Deazaguanine (3.2 mg/ml; 2.1 mg/ml), whilemaintaining similar levels of cytotoxicity. The “L-” enantiomer wasfound to be moderately active towards measles, likewise between 55 to 87times higher drug concentration (5.5 mg/ml; 8.7 mg/ml) are required toobtain similar inhibition of viral replication by the “D-” enantiomer.

Furthermore, both “D-”-Deazaisoneplanocin and “L”-3-deazaisonepalnocinwere shown to be highly active toward HCMV. Compared with the controldrug, Ganciclovir, both “D-” and “L”-Deazaisoneplanocin require 4 and 9times less drug concentration to reduce viral replication by 50% and 90%respectively. Importantly, the antiviral properties were not accompaniedwith increased cytotoxicity compared to Ganciclovir in this assay.

Lastly, “D-” and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin were both shown to be highlyactive towards Ebola, requiring approximately 3.9 to 26 times lower drugconcentrations to reduce Ebola replication by 50% compared to controlcompounds, Carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine and E-64D. Treatment of HepG2cells with <0.32 mM “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin inhibited viral replicationby 90% whereas between approximately 395 to 750 times higher drugconcentration for Carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine (>126.5 mM; 240.3 mM),200 times higher drug concentration for E-64D (65.4 mM) and 230 timeshigher drug concentration for “D”-3-deazaisoneplanocin (74.1 mM) arerequired to reduce Ebola replication to the same extent. However, theincrease in anti-Ebola activity observed with “D-” and“L”-deazaisoneplanocin are also accompanied by an increase incytotoxicity compared to the controls compounds.

Example 9 S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase (SAHase) Inhibition by“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin

This assay produced the following results (IC₅₀ in nM):“D”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin (3.19 nM), and “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin(>10,000 nM) (as shown above in Table 5). “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocindisplays significantly less of an inhibitory effect on SAHase comparedto any other compound tested in Table 5. The potent effect of“L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin versus Ebola coupled with its weaker propertiestowards SAHase suggests that SAHase inhibition is not the only sitewhere “L”-3-Deazaisoneplanocin is acting towards this virus.

The inventions being thus described provides a description of themanufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods, it willbe obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinventions and all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A neplanocin compound of one of the followingformulae:

a pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursor thereof, or saltthereof; Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, R2′ is a hydrogen ora hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with ahydroxyl group, R3′ is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, halogen, or C₁-C₄alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, R6′ is a hydrogen orhalogen, W is a hydrogen or a halogen, X is NH₂, NHR″, NR′R″, NHOH, orhydrogen (wherein the R′ and R″ independently are alkyl, aryl orarylalkyl), Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂NHR′, NR′R″(wherein the R″ and R′ are alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X isa halogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxylgroup, Y′ is a hydrogen, CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂, NRR′, NHR″ (wherein the R″ andR′ are independently alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl), CH₂X (wherein X is ahalogen), or a C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group,and Z is a hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl, or cyano. 2.The neplanocin compound of claim 1, wherein the formula is thefollowing:

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursor thereof, or saltthereof, Wherein R is a hydrogen or a hydroxyl group, Y′ is a hydrogen,CH₂OH, and X is NH₂ or hydrogen.
 3. The neplanocin compound of claim 1,wherein the formula is one of the following:

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursor thereof, or saltthereof, Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen, hydroxyl group, or halogen, R3′ is ahydrogen, hydroxyl group, or halogen, R6′ is a hydrogen or halogen, W isa hydrogen or a halogen, X is NH₂ or hydrogen, Y is a hydrogen, hydroxylgroup, CH₂X (wherein X is a halogen), or C₁-C₄ alkyl group optionallysubstituted with a hydroxyl group, and Z is a hydrogen, halogen, oralkyl group.
 4. The neplanocin compound of claim 3, wherein the formulais one of the following:


5. The neplanocin compound of claim 3, wherein Z is a halogen.
 6. Theneplanocin compound of claim 5, wherein the formula is one of thefollowing:


7. A neplanocin compound of one of the following formulae:

a pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursor or salt thereof, whereinX is N, CH, or C (halogen).
 8. The neplanocin compound of claim 7,wherein X is CBr.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a subjectwith a viral infection or in need of prophylactic antiviral treatmentcomprising: an antiviral sufficient amount of the neplanocin compound ofclaim 1 to produce antiviral effects and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier selected from the group consisting of a diluent, adjuvant,excipient, and vehicle.
 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9,wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated into tablets,gelcaps, capsules, pills, powders, granulates, suspensions, emulsions,solutions, gels, hydrogels, oral gels, pastes, eye drops, ointments,creams, plasters, drenches, delivery devices, suppositories, enemas,injectables, implants, sprays, or aerosols.
 11. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 9, wherein the antiviral amount of neplanocincompound is an amount sufficient to improve, inhibit, prevent orameliorate the viral infection.
 12. The pharmaceutical composition ofclaim 9, wherein the antiviral effective amount is an amount thatprevents the occurrence or one or more symptoms of the infection orreduces the severity of, or the length of time during which the subjectsuffers from, one or more symptoms of the infection by at least 50%. 13.The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9, wherein the antiviraleffective amount is an amount that reduces viral replication or killsviral cells by at least 50%.
 14. A method of therapeutic treatment of asubject against viral infection comprising: administering atherapeutically effective amount of at least one neplanocin compound ofclaim 1 to a subject in need of antiviral therapeutic treatment.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the administering is by ingestion,injection, infusion, or other bodily administration.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the virus is a DNA virus.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein the virus is a RNA virus.
 18. The method of claim 14, whereinthe virus is selected from the group consisting of Arenaviridae,Bunyaviridae, Coronaviridae, Flexiviridae, Hepevirus, Orthomyxoviridae,Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Togaviridae, Herpesviridae,Papovaviridae, Poxviridae, hepatic viruses, and norovirus.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the virus is human cytomegalovirus (HCMV),measles, Ebola, norovirus (NOV), dengue, vaccinia or hepatitis B virus(HBV).
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the virus is Ebola and theneplanocin compound is carbocyclic nucleoside having at least one of theformulae:

a pharmaceutically-acceptable prodrug precursor thereof, or saltthereof, Wherein R2′ is a hydrogen, hydroxyl group, or halogen, R3′ is ahydrogen, hydroxyl group, or halogen, R6′ is a hydrogen or halogen, W isa hydrogen or a halogen, X is NH₂ or hydrogen, Y is a hydrogen or ahydroxyl group, and Z is a hydrogen, halogen, or alkyl group.
 21. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the virus is Ebola and the neplanocincompound has at least one of the following formulae:


22. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of neplanocin compoundadministered is an antiviral effective amount sufficient to improve,inhibit, prevent or ameliorate the viral infection.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the antiviral effective amount is an amount thatprevents the occurrence or one or more symptoms of the infection orreduces the severity of, or the length of time during which the subjectsuffers from, one or more symptoms of the infection by at least 50%. 24.The method of claim 14, wherein the enantiomer neplanocin compound areprovided for dual mechanisms of antiviral efficacy.